Param Vir Chakra (PVC)Awardee: Lt Col Dhan Singh Thapa , PVC

Major Dhan Singh
Thapa was in command of a forward post in Ladakh. On 20 October 1962 the post
was attacked by the Chinese in overwhelming strength after being subjected to
intensive artillery and mortar bombardment. Under his gallant command the
greatly outnumbered post repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on
the aggressors. The enemy attacked again in greater numbers after heavy
shelling by artillery and mortar fire. Under the leadership of Major Thapa, his
men repulsed this attack also with heavy losses to the enemy.

The Chinese
attacked for the third time, now with tanks to support their infantry. The post
had already suffered large casualties in the earlier attacks. Though
considerably thinned, it held out to the last. When it was finally over-run by
overwhelming numbers of Chinese, Major Thapa got out of his trench and lulled
several enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand fighting before he was eventually
overpowered by Chinese soldiers.

Major Thapa's
cool courage, conspicuous fighting qualities and leadership were in the highest
traditions of our Army.